The dollar index (DXY00) today is down by -0.08%. The dollar is under pressure today from lower T-note yields. Also, signs of progress in peace talks over Ukraine are boosting EUR/USD at the expense of the dollar. Losses in the dollar are limited due to concern that last week's stronger-than-expected July CPI and PPI reports could keep the Fed from cutting interest rates at next month's FOMC meeting.
Today's US housing news was mixed for the dollar. US Jul housing starts unexpectedly rose +5.2% m/m to a 5-month high of 1.428 million, stronger than expectations of a decline to 1.297 million. However, Jul building permits, a proxy for future construction, fell -2.8% m/m to a 5-year low of 1.354 million, weaker than expectations of -0.5% m/m to 1.386 million.
